Grief in the perinatal period.

The loss or threatened loss of an infant in the perinatal period is a tragic event. The practitioner often feels helpless in trying to ease the family's grief. Based on crisis intervention and grief theory, a protocol is suggested for preparing families and presenting them with the tragic news concerning their baby. Suggested interventions for the couple at the time of delivery and a discussion of the needs of other family members are presented. Preparing the family for discharge from the hospital and follow-up are also discussed.